Why read Legionnaire?

Book cover of Legionnaire: Five Years in the French Foreign Legion

Book description

'One of the greatest adventure stories in years.' - Chris Patten

'The drama, excitement and colour of a good guts-and-glory thriller.' - Dr. Henry Kissinger

The French Foreign Legion - mysterious, romantic, deadly - is filled with men of dubious character, and hardly the place for a proper Englishman just…

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Why read it?

2 authors picked Legionnaire as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Joel Struthers

Author

This was ‘the book’ that ultimately led to my joining the Legion to attain the 2nd Foreign Parachute Regiment (2e régiment étranger de parachutistes).

I had the distinct honour to interview Mr. Simon Murray, and discuss his meaningful book. Mr. Murray's compelling first-hand account of his time with the REP during the Franco-Algerian war (1960s) is the example of what a Legionnaire represents. Mr. Simon Murray, CBE is a British Hong Kong-based businessman, adventurer, and author.

From Joel's list on life in the French Foreign Legion.

Jaime Salazar

Author

This is the gold standard for legion memoirs. It was written by a well bred English youth who was bored with life and decided to seek adventure in the foreign legion. He served with distinction during the Algerian push for independence. He writes in a diary style, which is jarring at times, but ultimately ives this book a certain warmth and relevance that will have readers gripped and wondering about the legion for generations to come.

From Jaime's list on the French Foreign Legion from someone who joined.